Antenna device and electronic device including the same

ABSTRACT

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing a second housing, a first display disposed on the first housing and a second display disposed on the second housing, a connecting member configured to couple the first housing to the second housing such that the first housing and the second housing are foldable relative to each other, and the second surface and the fourth surface face each other when the first housing and the second housing are folded toward each other, a first conductive element disposed within the first housing and between the second surface and the first display, and an intermediate conductive plate disposed within the second housing and between the fourth surface and the second display, the intermediate conductive plate having an opening that faces the first conductive element when the first housing and the second housing are in a folded configuration.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/351,142, which was filed on Nov. 14, 2016 andclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean Patent ApplicationSerial Nos. 10-2015-0159674 & 10-2016-0043135, which were filed in theKorean Intellectual Property Office on Nov. 13, 2015 & Apr. 8, 2016,respectively, the entire content of each of which is incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to an electronic device andmore particularly, to an electronic device that includes an antennadevice.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the development of electronic communication technologies,electronic devices having various functions have been widely used. Theseelectronic devices generally have a convergence function for performingone or more complex functions.

As the functional differences between electronic devices of respectivemanufacturers has been reduced, the manufacturers have been making aneffort to increase the rigidity of the electronic devices, which arebeing gradually slimmed in order to satisfy consumers' purchasing needs,and to strengthen the design features of the electronic devices.However, in view of the slimming down of the electronic devices, itbecomes more difficult to ensure an adequate space for an arrangement ofone or more antenna devices that are typically provided in theelectronic devices while preventing a degradation in the radiationefficiency of the antenna devices.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made to address at least theabove-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at leastthe advantages described below.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an exterior of anelectronic device can be formed of a conductive member (e.g., a metalbezel, etc.) and may be used as an antenna radiator in order to meet thedemands for a slim electronic device, e as opposed to conventionalelectronic devices that can have an exterior formed of a dielectricinjection-molded material, which is not capable of being used as anantenna radiator.

For example, when a metal bezel is provided on the outer periphery of anelectronic device and is used as an antenna radiator, specific positionsof the metal bezel may be cut off by filling cut-off portions withnon-conductive members made of a dielectric material to adjust theelectrical length from a feeding part to the antenna, thereby enablingthe antenna to operate in a desired frequency band.

Electronic devices of a rotation type (e.g., a foldable type, a slidetype, a swivel type, etc.), each having at least two bodies that areable to rotate relative to each other by means of a connecting part,have been widely used, as well as general bar-type electronic devices.According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a rotation-typeelectronic device may have at least two bodies that cover each other,and the radiation efficiency of an antenna device provided in one bodymay be degraded by a metal element that is provided in another body tocorrespond to the antenna device.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides an antenna device and anelectronic device that includes the same.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides an antenna deviceconfigured to always exhibit constant or improved radiation efficiencyirrespective of the rotation of a body, and an electronic device thatincludes the same.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides an antenna deviceconfigured to prevent a degradation in the performance of the antennadevice in advance while employing a conductive element (e.g., a metalelement, etc.), and may provide an electronic device that includes thesame.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided an electronic device. The electronic device includes a firsthousing a second housing, a first display disposed on the first housingand a second display disposed on the second housing, a connecting memberconfigured to couple the first housing to the second housing such thatthe first housing and the second housing are foldable relative to eachother, and the second surface and the fourth surface face each otherwhen the first housing and the second housing are folded toward eachother, a first conductive element disposed within the first housing andbetween the second surface and the first display, and an intermediateconductive plate disposed within the second housing and between thefourth surface and the second display, the intermediate conductive platehaving an opening that faces the first conductive element when the firsthousing and the second housing are in a folded configuration.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided an electronic device. The electronic device includes a firstbody comprising a first housing, a second body rotatable relative to thefirst body and comprising a second housing made of metal, a firstantenna radiator disposed on the first housing, and an opening providedon the second housing such that the opening overlaps the first antennaradiator when the first body and the second body are in a foldedconfiguration.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided an electronic device. The electronic device includes a firstbody comprising a first housing, a second body rotatable relative to thefirst body and comprising a second housing made of metal, a firstantenna radiator disposed on the first housing, a second antennaradiator overlapping at least a part of the first antenna radiator inthe first body, and an opening provided on the second housing such thatthe opening overlaps the first antenna radiator when the first body andthe second body are in a folded configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network environment that includes anelectronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of an electronic device, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a schematic view of an electronic device, which illustratesan arrangement relation between antenna devices and slots, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a schematic view of a configuration of an antenna device anda corresponding slot in the electronic device, according to the anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5C is a graph depicting radiation efficiency of the antenna deviceaccording to a presence or absence of a slot, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of antennadevices that correspond to various lengths of slots, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are graphs depicting radiation efficiency and standingwave ratios relevant to variations in an operating frequency bands ofthe antenna devices depending on the variations in the lengths of theslots according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating a slide type electronic device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a foldable electronic devicethat includes a flexible display, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a bendable electronic devicethat includes a flexible display, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a foldable electronicdevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating a detachable electronicdevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an electronic device, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 13B to 13D are diagrams illustrating various operating states ofthe electronic device, according to the an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating an arrangement relationbetween a first conductive element and an opening according to anoperation of opening/closing an electronic device, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 16A to 16C are graphs depicting antenna radiation efficiency undervarious folding conditions of an electronic device, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16D is a graph depicting antenna radiation efficiency depending onthe size of an opening of an electronic device, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement relation between afirst conductive element and a second conductive element, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 18A to 18C are diagrams illustrating arrangement states of secondconductive elements, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 19 is a graph depicting antenna radiation efficiency by means of asecond conductive element when an electronic device is folded, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement relation between afirst conductive element, an opening, and a second conductive element ofan electronic device, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 21 is a graph depicting antenna radiation efficiency in the stateof FIG. 20, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an electronic device in which threebodies (or portions) thereof are folded with respect to each other,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are diagrams illustrating an electronic device thatincludes a protective cover, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIGS. 24, 25A, and 25B are diagrams illustrating wearable electronicdevices, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein belowwith reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments ofthe present disclosure are not limited to the specific embodiments andshould be construed as including all modifications, changes, equivalentdevices and methods, and/or alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to their dictionary meanings, but are merely used to enable aclear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure.Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that thefollowing description of embodiments of the present disclosure isprovided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose oflimiting the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

Singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “acomponent surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

The embodiments described herein are by way of illustration only andshould not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure.Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of thepresent disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arrangedelectronic device.

As used herein, the term “substantially” means that the recitedcharacteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, butthat variations such as tolerances, measurement errors, measurementaccuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in theart, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect thecharacteristic was intended to provide.

The terms “have,” “may have,” “include,” and “may include” as usedherein indicate the presence of corresponding features (for example,elements such as numerical values, functions, operations, or parts), anddo not preclude the presence of additional features.

The terms “A or B,” “at least one of A or/and B,” or “one or more of Aor/and B” as used herein include all possible combinations of itemsenumerated with them. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,”or “at least one of A or B” means (1) including at least one A, (2)including at least one B, or (3) including both at least one A and atleast one B.

The terms such as “first” and “second” as used herein may modify variouselements regardless of an order and/or importance of the correspondingelements, and do not limit the corresponding elements. These terms maybe used for the purpose of distinguishing one element from anotherelement. For example, a first user device and a second user device mayindicate different user devices regardless of the order or importance.For example, a first element may be referred to as a second elementwithout departing from the scope the present disclosure, and similarly,a second element may be referred to as a first element.

When an element (for example, a first element) is “(operatively orcommunicatively) coupled with/to” or “connected to” another element (forexample, a second element), the element may be directly coupled with/toanother element, and there may be an intervening element (for example, athird element) between the element and another element. To the contrary,when an element (for example, a first element) is “directly coupledwith/to” or “directly connected to” another element (for example, asecond element), there is no intervening element (for example, a thirdelement) between the element and another element.

The term “module” as used herein may imply a unit including one ofhardware, software, and firmware, or a combination thereof. The term“module” may be interchangeably used with terms, such as unit, logic,logical block, component, or circuit. A module as described herein maybe a minimum unit of an integrally constituted component or may be apart thereof. A module may be a minimum unit for performing one or morefunctions or may be a part thereof. A module may be mechanically orelectrically implemented. For example, a module may include at least oneof an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip,field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and a programmable-logic device,which are known or will be developed and which perform certainoperations.

All of the terms used herein including technical or scientific termshave the same meanings as those generally understood by an ordinaryskilled person in the related art unless they are defined otherwise. Theterms defined in a generally used dictionary should be interpreted ashaving the same or similar meanings as the contextual meanings of therelevant technology and should not be interpreted as having ideal orexaggerated meanings unless they are clearly defined herein. Accordingto circumstances, even the terms defined in this disclosure should notbe interpreted as excluding the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Electronic devices according to the embodiments of the presentdisclosure may include at least one of, for example, smart phones,tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones,electronic book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers,workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portablemultimedia players (PMPs), Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-1 orMPEG-2) Audio Layer 3 (MP3) players, mobile medical devices, cameras, orwearable devices. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure,the wearable devices may include at least one of accessory-type wearabledevices (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses,contact lenses, or head-mounted-devices (HMDs)), fabric or clothingintegral wearable devices (e.g., electronic clothes), body-mountedwearable devices (e.g., skin pads or tattoos), or implantable wearabledevices (e.g., implantable circuits).

The electronic devices may be smart home appliances. The smart homeappliances may include at least one of, for example, televisions (TVs),digital versatile disk (DVD) players, audios, refrigerators, airconditioners, cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, aircleaners, set-top boxes, home automation control panels, securitycontrol panels, TV boxes (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or GoogleTV™), game consoles (e.g., Xbox™ and PlayStation™), electronicdictionaries, electronic keys, camcorders, or electronic picture frames.

The electronic devices may include various medical devices (e.g.,various portable medical measurement devices (such as blood glucosemeters, heart rate monitors, blood pressure monitors, or thermometers,and the like), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) devices, magneticresonance imaging (MRI) devices, computed tomography (CT) devices,scanners, ultrasonic devices, and the like), navigation devices, globalpositioning system (GPS) receivers, event data recorders (EDRs), flightdata recorders (FDRs), vehicle infotainment devices, electronicequipment for vessels (e.g., navigation systems, gyrocompasses, and thelike), avionics, security devices, head units for vehicles, industrialor home robots, automatic teller machines (ATMs), points of sales (POSs)devices, or Internet of Things (IoT) devices (e.g., light bulbs, varioussensors, electric or gas meters, sprinkler devices, fire alarms,thermostats, street lamps, toasters, exercise equipment, hot watertanks, heaters, boilers, and the like).

The electronic devices may further include at least one of parts offurniture or buildings/structures, electronic boards, electronicsignature receiving devices, projectors, or various measuringinstruments (such as water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, wavemeters, and the like). The electronic devices may be one or morecombinations of the above-mentioned devices. The electronic devices maybe flexible electronic devices. Also, the electronic devices are notlimited to the above-mentioned devices, and may include new electronicdevices according to the development of new technologies.

The electronic device may be one or more combinations of theaforementioned various devices. In addition, the electronic device maybe a flexible device. Moreover, the electronic device is not limited tothe aforementioned devices.

Hereinafter, the electronic devices according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure will be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings. The term “user” as used herein may refer to aperson who uses an electronic device or may refer to a device (e.g., anartificial intelligence electronic device) which uses an electronicdevice.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network environment including anelectronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a network environment 100 includes an electronicdevice 101, which includes a bus 110, a processor 120, a memory 130, aninput/output interface 150, a display 160, and a communication interface170. The electronic device 101 can omit at least one of the componentsor further include another component.

The bus 110 includes a circuit for connecting the components anddelivering communications such as a control message therebetween.

The processor 120 includes one or more of a central processing units(CPUs), an application processor (AP), and a communication processor(CP). The processor 120 processes an operation or data on control ofand/or communication with another component of the electronic device101.

The processor 120, which can be connected to a long term evolution (LTE)network, determines whether a call is connected over a circuit switched(CS) service network using caller identification information, such as acaller phone number of the CS service network, such as a 2^(nd)generation (2G) or 3^(rd) generation (3G) network. For example, theprocessor 120 receives incoming call information, such as a CSnotification message or a paging request message of the CS servicenetwork over the LTE network, such as circuit-switched fallback (CSFB).The processor 120 being connected to the LTE network receives incomingcall information, such as a paging request message over the CS servicenetwork, such as single radio LTE (SRLTE).

When receiving an incoming CS notification message or a paging requestmessage of the CS service network over the LTE network, the processor120 obtains caller identification information from the incoming callinformation. The processor 120 displays the caller identificationinformation on the display 160. The processor 120 determines whether toconnect the call based on input information corresponding to the calleridentification information displayed on the display 160. For example,when detecting input information corresponding to an incoming callrejection, through the input/output interface 150, the processor 120restricts the voice call connection and maintains the LTE networkconnection. For example, when detecting input information correspondingto an incoming call acceptance, through the input/output interface 150,the processor 120 connects the voice call by connecting to the CSservice network.

When receiving the incoming CS notification message or a paging requestmessage of the CS service network over the LTE network, the processor120 obtains caller identification information from the incoming callinformation. The processor 120 determines whether to connect the call bycomparing the caller identification information with a reception controllist. For example, when the caller identification information isincluded in a first reception control list, such as a blacklist, theprocessor 120 restricts the voice call connection and maintains theconnection to the LTE network. When the caller identificationinformation is not included in the blacklist, the processor 120 connectsthe voice call by connecting to the CS service network. When the calleridentification information is included in a second reception controllist, such as a white list, the processor 120 connects the voice call byconnecting to the CS service network.

When receiving the incoming call information, such as a paging requestmessage of the CS service network over the LTE network, the processor120 sends an incoming call response message, such as a paging responsemessage, to the CS service network. The processor 120 suspends the LTEservice and receives the caller identification information, such as acircuit-switched call (CC) setup message, from the CS service network.The processor 120 determines whether to connect the call by comparingthe caller identification information with the reception control list.For example, when the caller identification information is included inthe blacklist, the processor 120 restricts the voice call connection andresumes the LTE network connection. When the caller identificationinformation is not included in the he blacklist, the processor 120connects the voice call by connecting to the CS service network. Forexample, when the caller identification information is included in thewhite list, the processor 120 connects the voice call by connecting tothe CS service network.

The memory 130 can include volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. Thememory 130 stores commands or data, such as the reception control listrelating to at least another component of the electronic device 101. Thememory 130 may store software and/or a program 140. The program 140includes a kernel 141, middleware 143, an application programminginterface (API) 145, and/or application programs (or applications) 147.At least some of the kernel 141, the middleware 143, and the API 145 maybe referred to as an operating system (OS).

The kernel 141 controls or manages system resources, such as the bus110, the processor 120, or the memory 130 used for performing anoperation or function implemented by the other programs, such as themiddleware 143, the API 145, or the applications 147. Furthermore, thekernel 141 provides an interface through which the middleware 143, theAPI 145, or the applications 147 connects the individual elements of theelectronic device 101 to control or manage the system resources.

The middleware 143 functions as an intermediary for allowing the API 145or the applications 147 to communicate with the kernel 141 to exchangedata.

In addition, the middleware 143 processes one or more task requestsreceived from the applications 147 according to priorities thereof. Forexample, the middleware 143 assigns priorities for using the systemresources of the electronic device 101, to at least one of theapplications 147. For example, the middleware 143 may perform schedulingor load balancing on the one or more task requests by processing the oneor more task requests according to the priorities assigned thereto.

The API 145 is an interface through which the applications 147 controlfunctions provided from the kernel 141 or the middleware 143, and mayinclude at least one interface or function, such as an instruction forfile control, window control, image processing, or text control.

The input/output interface 150 functions as an interface that transfersinstructions or data input from a user or another external device to theother element(s) of the electronic device 101. Furthermore, theinput/output interface 150 outputs the instructions or data receivedfrom the other element(s) of the electronic device 101 to the user or anexternal electronic device.

The display 160 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a lightemitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a microelectro mechanical system (MEMS) display, an electronic paper display,etc. The display 160 displays various types of content, such as text,images, videos, icons, or symbols for the user. The display 160 mayinclude a touch screen and receive, for example, a touch, a gesture,proximity, a hovering input, etc., using an electronic pen or a user'sbody part (e.g., a finger). The display 160 may display a web page.

The communication interface 170 can establish a communication betweenthe electronic device 101 and an external electronic device, such as afirst external electronic device 102, a second external electronicdevice 104, or a server 106. For example, the communication interface170 can communicate with the first external electronic device 102, thesecond external electronic device 104, or the server 106 in connectionto the network 162 through wireless communication or wired communicationor via a short-range communication 164. For example, the wirelesscommunication can conform to a cellular communication protocol includingat least one of LTE, LTE-advanced (LTE-A), code division multiple access(CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunication system(UMTS), wireless broadband (WiBro), and global system for mobilecommunications (GSM).

The wired communication can include at least one of a universal serialbus (USB), a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a recommendedstandard 232 (RS-232), and a plain old telephone service (POTS).

The network 162 can include a telecommunications network, for example, acomputer network such as local area network (LAN) or wide area network(WAN), the Internet, and a telephone network.

The electronic device 101 provides the LTE service in the single radioenvironment by use of at least one module functionally or physicallyseparated from the processor 120.

Each of the first and second external electronic devices 102 and 104 maybe a type of device that is the same as or different from the electronicdevice 101. The server 106 may include a group of one or more servers.All or some of the operations to be executed by the electronic device101 may be executed by the electronic devices 102 and 104 or the server106. When the electronic device 101 may perform a certain function orservice automatically or by request, the electronic device 101 mayrequest some functions that are associated therewith from anotherelectronic device instead of or in addition to executing the function orservice by itself. The electronic devices 102 and 104 or the server 106may execute the requested functions or additional functions, and maytransmit the results to the electronic device 101. The electronic device101 may provide the requested functions or services by processing thereceived results. For example, a cloud computing technique, adistributed computing technique, or a client-server computing techniquemay be used.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a configuration of an electronic device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device 201 includes at least oneprocessor (AP) 210, a communication module 220, a subscriberidentification module (SIM) card 224, a memory 230, a sensor module 240,an input device 250, a display 260, an interface 270, an audio module280, a camera module 291, a power management module 295, a battery 296,an indicator 297, and a motor 298.

The AP 210 controls a plurality of hardware or software elementsconnected to the AP 210 by driving an OS or an application program. TheAP 210 processes a variety of data, including multimedia data, performsarithmetic operations, may be implemented with a system on chip (SoC)and may further include a graphical processing unit (GPU).

The communication module 220 performs data transmission/reception incommunication between the external electronic devices 102, 104 or theserver 106 which may be connected with the electronic device 201 throughthe network 162. The communication module 220 includes a cellular module221, a wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) module 223, a Bluetooth® (BT) module225, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) or GPS module 227, anear field communication (NFC) module 228, and a radio frequency (RF)module 229.

The cellular module 221 provides a voice call, a video call, a textservice, or an Internet service, such as through a communication networkincluding LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, WCDMA, UMTS, WiBro, and GSM, for example. Inaddition, the cellular module 221 identifies and authenticates theelectronic device 201 within the communication network by using the SIMcard 224. The cellular module 221 may perform at least some of thefunctions that can be provided by the AP 210. For example, the cellularmodule 221 may perform multimedia control functions.

The cellular module 221 includes a CP. Further, the cellular module 221may be implemented, for example, with an SoC. Although elements, such asthe cellular module 221, the memory 230, and the power management module295 are illustrated as separate elements with respect to the AP 210 inFIG. 2, the AP 210 may also be implemented such that at least one part,such as the cellular module 221 of the aforementioned elements isincluded in the AP 210.

The AP 210 or the cellular module 221 loads an instruction or data,which is received from each non-volatile memory connected thereto or atleast one of different elements, to a volatile memory and processes theinstruction or data. In addition, the AP 210 or the cellular module 221stores data, which is received from at least one of different elementsor generated by at least one of different elements, into thenon-volatile memory.

Each of the Wi-Fi module 223, the BT module 225, the GNSS module 227,and the NFC module 228 includes a processor for processing datatransmitted/received through a corresponding module. Although thecellular module 221, the Wi-Fi module 223, the BT module 225, the GNSSmodule 227, and the NFC module 228 are illustrated in FIG. 2 as separateblocks, at least two of the cellular module 221, the Wi-Fi module 223,the BT module 225, the GNSS module 227, and the NFC module 228 may beincluded in one integrated chip (IC) or IC package. For example, atleast some of processors corresponding to the cellular module 221, theWi-Fi module 223, the BT module 225, the GNSS module 227, and the NFCmodule 228, such as a communication processor corresponding to thecellular module 221 and a Wi-Fi processor corresponding to the Wi-Fimodule 223, may be implemented with an SoC.

The RF module 229 transmits/receives data, such as an RF signal, and mayinclude a transceiver, a power amp module (PAM), a frequency filter, ora low noise amplifier (LNA), for example. In addition, the RF module 229may further include a component for transmitting/receiving a radio waveon a free space in wireless communication, for example, a conductor, ora conducting wire. The cellular module 221, the Wi-Fi module 223, the BTmodule 225, the GNSS module 227, and the NFC module 228 may share one RFmodule 229, and at least one of these modules may transmit/receive an RFsignal via a separate RF module.

The SIM card 224 may be inserted into a slot formed at a specificlocation of the electronic device 201. The SIM card 224 includes uniqueidentification information, such as an integrated circuit cardidentifier (ICCID) or subscriber information, such as an internationalmobile subscriber identity (IMSI).

The memory 230 includes an internal memory 232 or an external memory234.

The internal memory 232 may include at least one of a volatile memory,such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), or asynchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) or a non-volatile memory, such as aone-time programmable read only memory (OTPROM), a programmable ROM(PROM), an erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), an electricallyerasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a notand (NAND) flash memory, and a not or (NOR) flash memory. The internalmemory 232 may be a solid state drive (SSD).

The external memory 234 may include a flash drive, a compact flash (CF),secure digital (SD), micro-SD, mini-SD, extreme digital (xD), and amemory stick, and may be operatively coupled to the electronic device201 via various interfaces.

The electronic device 201 may further include a storage unit (or astorage medium), such as a hard drive.

The sensor module 240 measures a physical quantity or detects anoperation state of the electronic device 201, and converts the measuredor detected information into an electric signal. The sensor module 240includes, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor 240A, a gyrosensor 240B, a barometric pressure sensor or air sensor 240C, a magneticsensor 240D, an acceleration sensor 240E, a grip sensor 240F, aproximity sensor 240G, a color sensor 240H, such as a red, green, blue(RGB) sensor, a biometric sensor 240I, a temperature/humidity sensor240J, an illumination/illuminance sensor 240K and an ultraviolet (UV)sensor 240M.

Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module 240 may include, forexample, an E-node sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, anelectroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor,and a fingerprint sensor.

The sensor module 240 may further include a control circuit forcontrolling at least one or more sensors included therein.

The input device 250 includes a touch panel 252, a (digital) pen sensor254, a key 256, or an ultrasonic input unit 258.

The touch panel 252 recognizes a touch input by using at least one of anelectrostatic type configuration, a pressure-sensitive typeconfiguration, and an ultrasonic type configuration. The touch panel 252may further include a control circuit. In the instance where the touchpanel is of the electrostatic type, both physical contact recognitionand proximity recognition are possible. The touch penal 252 may furtherinclude a tactile layer, which provides the user with a tactilereaction.

The (digital) pen sensor 254 may include a recognition sheet which canbe a part of the touch panel or can be separated from the touch panel.The key 256 may include a physical button, an optical key, or a keypad.The ultrasonic input device 258 may detect ultrasonic waves generated byan input tool through a microphone 288, and may confirm datacorresponding to the detected ultrasonic waves.

The (digital) pen sensor 254 may be implemented using the same orsimilar method of receiving a touch input of a user or using anadditional sheet for recognition.

The key 256 may be a physical button, an optical key, a keypad, or atouch key.

The ultrasonic input unit 258 detects a reflected sound wave through amicrophone 288 and is capable of radio recognition. For example, anultrasonic signal, which may be generated by using a pen, may bereflected off an object and detected by the microphone 288.

The electronic device 201 may use the communication module 220 toreceive a user input from an external device, such as a computer or aserver connected thereto.

The display 260 includes a panel 262, a hologram 264, or a projector266.

The panel 262 may be an LCD or an AM-OLED, for example. The panel 262may be implemented in a flexible, transparent, or wearable manner, andmay be constructed as one module with the touch panel 252.

The hologram device 264 uses an interference of light and displays astereoscopic image in the air.

The projector 266 displays an image by projecting a light beam onto ascreen. The screen may be located inside or outside the electronicdevice 201.

The display 260 may further include a control circuit for controllingthe panel 262, the hologram device 264, or the projector 266.

The interface 270 may include an HDMI 272, a USB 274, an opticalcommunication interface 276, or a d-subminiature (D-sub) 278. Theinterface 270 may be included, for example, in the communicationinterface 160 of FIG. 1, and may include a mobile high-definition link(MHL), SD/multi-media card (MMC) or infrared data association (IrDA).

The audio module 280 bilaterally converts a sound and an electricsignal. At least some elements of the audio module 280 may be includedin the input/output interface 150 of FIG. 1. The audio module 280converts sound information which is input or output through a speaker282, a receiver 284, an earphone 286, or the microphone 288.

The speaker 282 may output a signal of an audible frequency band and asignal of an ultrasonic frequency band. Reflected waves of an ultrasonicsignal emitted from the speaker 282 and a signal of an external audiblefrequency band may be received.

The camera module 291 is a device for image and video capturing, and mayinclude one or more image sensors, such as a front sensor or a rearsensor, a lens, an image signal processor (ISP), or a flash, such as anLED or a xenon lamp. In certain instances, it may prove advantageous toinclude two or more camera modules.

The power management module 295 manages power of the electronic device201. The power management module 295 may include a power managementintegrated circuit (PMIC), a charger IC, or a battery gauge.

The PMIC may be placed inside an IC or an SoC semiconductor and may usea wired charging and/or a wireless charging method. The charger IC cancharge a battery and can prevent an over-voltage or over-current flow.

The wireless charging may be classified, for example, into a magneticresonance type, a magnetic induction type, and an electromagnetic type.An additional circuit for the wireless charging, such as a coil loop, aresonant circuit, or a rectifier may be added.

The battery gauge may measure a residual quantity of the battery 296 anda voltage, current, and temperature during charging. The battery 296stores or generates electricity and supplies power to the electronicdevice 201 by using the stored or generated electricity. The battery 296may include a rechargeable battery or a solar battery.

The indicator 297 indicates a specific state, such as a booting state, amessage, or a charging state of the electronic device 201 or a partthereof, such as the AP 210.

The motor 298 converts an electric signal into a mechanical vibration.

The electronic device 201 includes a processing unit, such as a GPU, forsupporting mobile TV which processes media data according to a protocolof, for example, digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), digital videobroadcasting (DVB), or media flow.

Each of the aforementioned elements of the electronic device 201 mayconsist of one or more components, and names thereof may vary dependingon a type of the electronic device 201. The electronic device 201 mayinclude at least one of the aforementioned elements. Some of theelements may be omitted, or additional other elements may be furtherincluded. In addition, some of the elements of the electronic device 201may be combined and constructed as one entity, so as to equally performfunctions of corresponding elements before combination.

At least some parts of the electronic device 201, such as modules orfunctions thereof, or operations, may be implemented with an instructionstored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage media for example.The instruction may be executed by the processor 210, to perform afunction corresponding to the instruction. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media may be the memory 230. At least someparts of the programming module may be executed by the processor 210. Atleast some parts of the programming module may include modules,programs, routines, and a set of instructions for performing one or morefunctions.

In accordance with the present disclosure, an antenna device may beapplied to various rotation-type electronic devices, each of which caninclude a first body and a second body that is rotatable relative to thefirst body, but the antenna device is not limited thereto. For example,the antenna device may also be applied to an electronic device having asingle body in which an antenna device and a conductive element (e.g., ametal element, a metal ornament, etc.) overlap each other.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of an electronic device 300,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the electronic device 300 includes a firstbody 310 and a second body 330 that are rotatable relative each otherabout a connecting device 350 (e.g., a hinge device). The second body330 may be folded with respect to the first body 310 by the connectingdevice 350 with an axis A1 as a rotational axis, in which case the firstbody 310 and the second body 330 may cover each other when they are in afolded configuration. The first body 310 includes a key input unit 311on the front surface thereof, and the key input unit 311 may include aplurality of key buttons 3111 (e.g., key buttons for inputting numbers,characters, and/or symbols) and a navigation key button 3112. The firstbody 310 includes a microphone device 312 disposed at the lower sidethereof.

The first body 310 includes a first housing 320. At least a part of thefirst housing 320 includes conductive members 321, 322, and 323. Theconductive members 321, 322, and 323 form a loop along an outerperiphery of the first body 310 and may serve as an entirety or a partof a thickness of the electronic device 300. The conductive members 321,322, and 323 may extend to at least one area of the front and/or rearsurface of the electronic device 300.

The conductive members 321, 322, and 323 may be disposed at left, right,and lower sides of the first body 310, respectively. The conductivemembers 321, 322, and 323 are separated from each other bynon-conductive members 3211, 3221, 3231, and 3232 that fill gaps formedin one or more areas of the conductive members. The first conductivemember 321 is separated by the first non-conductive member 3211, thesecond conductive member 322 is separated by the second non-conductivemember 3221, and the third conductive member 323 is separated by thethird and fourth non-conductive members 3231 and 3232. Thenon-conductive members 3211, 3221, 3231, and 3232 may be air, plastic,or an appropriate non-conductive material. The non-conductive members3211, 3221, 3231, and 3232 may prevent foreign substances from beingintroduced through the gaps.

The first body 310 may include one or more antenna devices therein. Theantenna devices may include the corresponding conductive members 321,322, and 323 that can be electrically connected to an RF communicationmodule in the vicinity of the non-conductive members 3211, 3221, 3231,and 3232 to operate as antenna radiators. Operating frequency bands ofthe antenna devices may be determined in consideration of electricallengths from the non-conductive members 3211, 3221, 3231, and 3232 tofeeding points between the corresponding conductive members 321, 322,and 323 and the RF communication module. The antenna devices may bedisposed around the plurality of non-conductive members 3211, 3221,3231, and 3232. The antenna devices, however, may also be separatelydisposed inside the electronic device 300. The antenna devices mayinclude antenna radiators that can be provided in a pattern type on aPCB included in the electronic device 300, or may include antennaradiators that can be mounted on an antenna carrier.

The second body 330 includes a first display 331 that can be disposed onthe front surface thereof and a speaker device 332 that can be disposedon the upper side of the first display 331 to receive speech. Componentsfor performing the various functions of the electronic device 300 may bearranged around the speaker device 332. The components may include atleast one sensor module 333. The sensor module 333 may include, forexample, at least one of an illuminance sensor (e.g., an opticalsensor), a proximity sensor, an infrared sensor, and an ultrasonicsensor. The components may also include a camera device 334. Thecomponents may also include an LED indicator for informing a user ofstatus information of the electronic device 300. The second body 330 mayhave a second display 335 disposed on the rear surface thereof. Theelectronic device 300 may be operated through the second display 335while the second body 330 of the electronic device 300 is superposed onthe first body 310. The first and second displays 331 and 335 may betouch screen devices that include touch sensors.

The second body 330 includes a second housing 340. At least a part ofthe second housing 340 includes conductive members 341, 342, and 343,which can form a loop shape along an outer periphery of the second body330 and may serve as an entirety or a part of the thickness of theelectronic device 300. The conductive members 341, 342, and 343 mayextend to at least one area of the front and/or rear surface of theelectronic device 300.

The conductive members 341, 342, and 343 may include the first, second,and third conductive members 341, 342, and 343 disposed at the left,right, and upper sides of the second body 330, respectively. Theconductive members 341, 342, and 343 may be separated from each other bynon-conductive members 3411, 3421, 3431, and 3432 that fill gaps formedin one or more areas of the conductive members 341, 342, and 343. Thefirst conductive member 341 may be separated by the first non-conductivemember 3411, the second conductive member 342 may be separated by thesecond non-conductive member 3421, and the third conductive member 343may be separated by the third and fourth non-conductive members 3431 and3432.

When the second body 330 is superposed on the first body 310, the firstnon-conductive member 3211 of the first housing 320 may face the firstnon-conductive member 3411 of the second housing 340, the secondnon-conductive member 3221 of the first housing 320 may face the secondnon-conductive member 3421 of the second housing 340, the thirdnon-conductive member 3231 of the first housing 320 may face the thirdnon-conductive member 3431 of the second housing 340, and the fourthnon-conductive member 3232 of the first housing 320 may face the fourthnon-conductive member 3432 of the second housing 340.

Slots having one or more suitable lengths may be provided near the areasof the conductive members 341, 342, and 343 of the second housing 340that correspond to the areas where the antenna devices are disposed inthe first housing 320. The slots may include the non-conductive members3411, 3421, 3431, and 3432, and the non-conductive members 3411, 3421,3431, and 3432 included in the slots may serve as openings through whichthe slots are exposed to the outside of the electronic device 300.Accordingly, the antenna devices may effectively conduct radiationthrough the corresponding slots when the second body 330 is superposedon the first body 310 (i.e., when the second body 330 and the first body310 are in a folded configuration.

The connecting device 350 may include a hinge device. The hinge deviceincludes a pair of side hinge arms 313 and 314 that are disposed on theupper end of the first body 310 and spaced apart from each other, and acentral hinge arm 335 of the second body 330 that is disposed betweenthe side hinge arms 313 and 314, thereby allowing rotation of the firstbody 310 and the second body 330. Although not illustrated in thedrawings, a hinge module operating in conjunction with the side hingearms 313 and 314 may be provided in the central hinge arm 335 to adjustthe rotation angle of the second body 330 or to continually apply apressure in a direction in which the second body 330 is opened or closedat more than an angle of inflection.

More or fewer non-conductive members may be provided in each of thebodies, and may be disposed in diverse positions in the electronicdevice 300.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 400,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The electronic device 400 of FIG. 4 may be similar to the electronicdevice 300 of FIG. 3A.

Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device 400 includes a first body B1and a second body B2 that is able to rotate relative to the first bodyB1.

the first body B1 includes a first housing 410, a printed circuit board(PCB) 420 disposed inside the first housing 410, and a keypad assembly430 serving as an upper housing. At least a part of the first housing410 includes a conductive member 411. At least a part of the firsthousing 410 includes an injection-molded member 412. The conductivemember 411 and the injection-molded member 412 of the first housing 410may be integrally formed with each other by double injection molding orinsert molding. The conductive member 411 is separated by anon-conductive member 4111 that fills a gap having a predeterminedwidth, which is formed in the conductive member 411. At least a part ofthe conductive member 411 in the vicinity of the non-conductive member4111 of the first housing 410 may serve as an antenna area (area R). Theantenna device may be operated by electrically connecting an RFcommunication module on the PCB 420 to a position that corresponds tothe conductive member 411 and is separate from the non-conductive member4111 by a predetermined distance. The non-conductive member 4111 may beformed of a material that is the same as that of the injection-moldedmember 412.

The second body B2 includes a second housing 440, and an internalhousing 450 (e.g., a bracket, etc.) and a first display 460 that aresequentially mounted on a first surface of the second housing 440. Thesecond body B2 includes a second display 470 mounted on a second surfaceof the second housing 440. The first display 460 and the second display470 may serve as touch screen devices that include touch sensors. In acase where the second housing 440 is formed of a conductive material,the first display 460 and the second display 470 may be electricallyinsulated from the second housing 440 and/or the internal housing 450(e.g., a metal bracket, etc.), which can be made of a conductivematerial in order to prevent the problem of an electric shock. The firstdisplay 460 and the second display 470 may be attached to the secondhousing 440 by an insulating cushion member, an insulating double-sidedtape, etc.

A conductive member 441 and an injection-molded member 442 of the secondhousing 440 may be integrally formed with each other by double injectionmolding or insert molding. The conductive member 441 may be separated bya non-conductive member 4411 that fills a gap having a predeterminedwidth, which is formed in the conductive member. A slot 443 having apredetermined length may be formed in an area (area S) near thenon-conductive member 4411 of the second housing 440. The slot 443 maybe configured to extend along with the non-conductive member 4411. Theslot 443 and/or the non-conductive member 4411 may be formed of the samematerial as that of the injection-molded member 442 when theinjection-molded member 442 is formed.

The antenna area (area R) of the first housing 410 and the slot area(area S) of the second housing 440 may face each other when the secondbody B2 is superposed on the first body B1. An RF signal radiated fromthe antenna area R may be easily radiated through the slot 443.

A space may be formed in a position that corresponds to an electroniccomponent interposed between the antenna area R of the first housing 410and the slot area S of the second housing 440 in order to minimizeinterference caused by the electronic component. A recess 421 beinginwardly cut may be formed in the PCB 420 to correspond to theelectronic component. A recess 461 being inwardly cut may be formed inthe internal housing 450 (e.g., conductive bracket, etc.) to correspondto the electronic component. Although not illustrated, at least a partof the first and second displays 460 and 470 coupled to the secondhousing 440 may not overlap at least a part of the slot 443.

FIG. 5A is a schematic view of an electronic device 500, whichillustrates an arrangement relation between antenna devices and slots,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The electronic device 500 of FIG. 5A may be similar to the electronicdevices 300 and 400 of FIGS. 3A and 4, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the electronic device 500 includes a first housing510 and a second housing 520 that may be folded with respect to thefirst housing 510 by rotating about a connecting device 530 (e.g., ahinge device). In a case where the second housing 520 is folded withrespect to the first housing 510, the first housing 510 and the secondhousing 520 may cover each other.

At least a part of the first housing 510 includes conductive members511, 512, and 513. The conductive members 511, 512, and 513 may form aloop shape along an outer periphery of the first housing 510 and mayserve as the entirety or a part of the thickness of the electronicdevice 500.

The conductive members 511, 512, and 513 may be disposed at the left,right, and lower sides of the first housing 510, respectively. Theconductive members 511, 512, and 513 may be separated from each other bynon-conductive members 5111, 5121, 5131, and 5132 that fill gaps formedin one or more areas of the conductive members 511, 512, and 513. Thefirst conductive member 511 may be separated by the first non-conductivemember 5111, the second conductive member 512 may be separated by thesecond non-conductive member 5121, and the third conductive member 513may be separated by the third and fourth non-conductive members 5131 and5132.

The first housing 510 may have one or more antenna devices therein. Theantenna devices may include the corresponding conductive members 511,512, and 513 that are electrically connected to an RF communicationmodule in the vicinity of the non-conductive members 5111, 5121, 5131,and 5132 to operate as antenna radiators. In this case, operatingfrequency bands of the antenna devices may be determined inconsideration of electrical lengths from the non-conductive members5111, 5121, 5131, and 5132 to feeding points between the correspondingconductive members 511, 512, and 513 and the RF communication module.The antenna devices may be disposed around the plurality ofnon-conductive members 5111, 5121, 5131, and 5132. For example, theantenna devices may be disposed in an area R1 at the left side, an areaR2 at the right side, and an area R3 at the lower side of the firsthousing 510.

At least a part of the second housing 520 includes conductive members521, 522, and 523. The conductive members 521, 522, and 523 may form aloop shape along the outer periphery of the second housing 520 and mayserve as the entirety or a part of the thickness of the electronicdevice 500.

The conductive members 521, 522, and 523 may be disposed at the left,right, and upper sides of the second housing 520, respectively. Theconductive members 521, 522, and 523 may be separated from each other bynon-conductive members 5211, 5221, 5231, and 5232 that fill gaps formedin one or more areas of the conductive members. The first conductivemember 521 may be separated by the first non-conductive member 5211, thesecond conductive member 522 may be separated by the secondnon-conductive member 5221, and the third conductive member 523 may beseparated by the third and fourth non-conductive members 5231 and 5232.

When the second housing 520 is superposed on the first housing 510, thefirst non-conductive member 5111 of the first housing 510 may face thefirst non-conductive member 5211 of the second housing 520, the secondnon-conductive member 5121 of the first housing 510 may face the secondnon-conductive member 5221 of the second housing 520, the thirdnon-conductive member 5131 of the first housing 510 may face the thirdnon-conductive member 5231 of the second housing 520, and the fourthnon-conductive member 5132 of the first housing 510 may face the fourthnon-conductive member 5232 of the second housing 520.

Slots having one or more suitable lengths may be provided near thecorresponding areas of the conductive members 521, 522, and 523 of thesecond housing 520 that correspond to the areas where the antennadevices are disposed in the first housing 320. For example, the slotsmay be disposed in an area S1 on the left side, an area S2 on the rightside, and an area S3 on the upper side of the second housing 520. Theslots may include the non-conductive members 5211, 5221, 5231, and 5232,and the non-conductive members 5211, 5221, 5231, and 5232 included inthe slots may serve as openings through which the slots are exposed tothe outside of the electronic device 500. Accordingly, the antennadevices may effectively conduct radiation through the correspondingslots when the second housing 520 is superposed on the first housing510.

Hereinafter, the antenna devices and the slots corresponding theretowill be described in detail.

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of one antenna deviceaccording to the arrangement of the corresponding slot in the electronicdevice 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that the antenna device disposed in the area R1of the first housing 510 of FIG. 5A and the corresponding slot disposedin the area S1 of the second housing 520 are illustrated and describedherein, but the non-illustrated antenna devices disposed in the areas R2and R3 of the first housing 510 and the non-illustrated correspondingslots disposed in the areas S2 and S3 of the second housing 520 have thesame technical configuration. In addition, since technical membershaving reference numerals identical to those illustrated in FIG. 5Aperform identical functions, detailed descriptions thereof will beomitted for the convenience of description.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the first conductive member 511 of the housing 510includes a feeding piece 5112 integrally formed therewith in a positionspaced apart from the first non-conductive member 5111 by apredetermined distance. The feeding piece 5112 may be connected to afeeding part 5141 of a PCB 514 in the first housing 510, or may beelectrically connected to the feeding part 5141 by a separate electricalconnection member (e.g., a C-clip, etc.).

A feeding pad 5142 may be disposed on the PCB 514 and may beelectrically connected with the feeding piece 5112 of the firstconductive member 511. A first electrical path (e.g., a wire line) 5143may be formed from the feeding pad 5142 to the feeding part 5141. Afirst electric-shock prevention circuit 5144 for preventing an electricshock and discharging static electricity and a matching circuit 5145 fortuning the antenna radiator to a desired frequency band may be providedon the first electrical path 5143, since the feeding pad 5142 of the PCB514 makes direct electrical contact with the first conductive member 511that forms the external appearance of the electronic device 500.

The first conductive member 511 may have an electrical connection piece5113 integrally formed therewith in a position spaced apart from thefeeding piece 5112 by a predetermined distance. The electricalconnection piece 5113 may be grounded to a ground part 5146 of the PCB514. The electrical connection piece 5113 of the first conductive member511 may be grounded to the ground part 5146 of the PCB 514 in the firsthousing 510, or may be electrically connected to the ground part 5146 bya separate electrical connection member (e.g., a C-clip, etc.).

A ground pad 5147 may be disposed on the PCB 514 and may be electricallyconnected with the electrical connection piece 5113 of the firstconductive member 511. A second electrical path (e.g., a wire line) 5148may be formed from the ground pad 5147 to the ground part 5146. A secondelectric-shock prevention circuit 5149 (e.g., a capacitor) forpreventing an electric shock and discharging static electricity may beprovided on the second electrical path 5148, since the first ground pad5147 of the PCB 514 makes direct electrical contact with the firstconductive member 511 that forms the external appearance of theelectronic device 500.

A slot 5212 having a suitable length may be disposed near the firstnon-conductive member 5211 of the second housing 520. The slot 5212 maybe formed such that it extends toward the feeding piece 5112 of thefirst housing 510 from the first non-conductive member 5211 when thefirst housing 510 is superposed on the second housing 520. The slot 5212may be disposed in a position where the slot is electrically coupledwith the first conductive member 511 of the first housing 510, which iselectrically connected to the PCB 514 to operate as an antenna device,when the first housing 510 is superposed on the second housing 520. Thelength by which the slot 5212 extends toward the feeding piece 5112 maybe adjusted to control the operating frequency band of the firstconductive member 511 that operates as an antenna device.

FIG. 5C is a graph depicting radiation efficiency of the antenna deviceaccording to a presence or absence of a slot, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 5C, when the second housing 520 has the slot5212, the first conductive member 511, which operates as an antennaradiator of the first housing 510, has a gain that is about 5 dB greaterthan that when the second housing 520 has no slot 5212. For example,when the second housing 520 has no slot, the antenna has a gain of about−12 dB in a 1575 MHz band (e.g., a GPS operating frequency band), whichis the operating frequency band of the antenna, and when the secondhousing 520 has the slot 5212, the antenna has a gain of about −7 dB inthe same frequency band, thereby resulting in an increase in the gain ofabout 5 dB.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of antennadevices that correspond to various lengths of slots, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Conductive members 610 of FIGS. 6A and 6B may be similar to the firstconductive member 511 of the first housing 510 of FIG. 5B. A slot 630 ofFIG. 6A may be similar to the slot 5212 of FIG. 5B.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the conductive member 610 includes a feeding piece611 disposed in a position spaced apart from a non-conductive member 613by a predetermined distance and electrically connected with a feedingpart 621 of a PCB and an electrical connection piece 612 spaced apartfrom the feeding piece 611 and electrically connected with a ground part622 of the PCB. The slot 630 may be formed to have a length in adirection from the non-conductive member 613 to the feeding piece 611.The slot 630 may be provided in a position where the slot 630 is capableof being electrically coupled with the conductive member 610, whichoperates as an antenna radiator, without making contact with theconductive member 610.

The slot 630 may be formed to have a first electrical length L1 in thedirection from the non-conductive member 613 to the feeding piece 611.In this case, the conductive member 610 may operate in a first operatingfrequency band that corresponds to the first electrical length L1 of theslot 630. The slot 630 may be formed to have a second electrical lengthL2 in the direction from the non-conductive member 613 to the feedingpiece 611. In this case, the conductive member 610 may operate in asecond operating frequency band that corresponds to the secondelectrical length L2 of the slot 630. In a case where the electricallength of the slot 630 decreases from L1 to L2, the operating frequencyband of the conductive member 610, which operates as an antenna device,may shift from a low frequency band to a relatively high frequency band.

Referring to FIG. 6B, the conductive member 610 includes a feeding piece611 disposed in a position spaced apart from a non-conductive member 613by a predetermined distance and electrically connected with a feedingpart 621 of a PCB and an electrical connection piece 612 spaced apartfrom the feeding piece 611 and electrically connected with a ground part622 of the PCB. A slot 640 may be formed to have a length in a directionfrom the non-conductive member 613 to the feeding piece 611. The slot640 may be provided in a position where the slot 640 is capable of beingelectrically coupled with the conductive member 610, which operates asan antenna radiator, without making contact with the conductive member610.

The slot 640 may be formed to have a first electrical length L3 in thedirection from the non-conductive member 613 to the feeding piece 611.In this case, the conductive member 610 may operate in a first operatingfrequency band that corresponds to the first electrical length L3 of theslot 640.

An electrical path 641 may be connected to the slot 640 in such a mannerthat the electrical path 641 crosses the slot 640 at a specific point,and a switch device 6411 may be provided on the electrical path 641. Theelectrical length of the slot 640 may vary from L3 to L4 by turningon/off the switch device 6411. Accordingly, the slot 640 may be formedto have the second electrical length L4 in the direction from thenon-conductive member 613 to the feeding piece 611 while the switchdevice 6411 is turned on. In this case, the conductive member 610 mayoperate in a second operating frequency band that corresponds to thesecond electrical length L4 of the slot 640. In a case where theelectrical length of the slot 640 decreases from L3 to L4 by means ofthe switch device 6411, the operating frequency band of the conductivemember 610, which operates as an antenna device, may shift from a lowfrequency band to a relatively high frequency band.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are graphs depicting radiation efficiency and standingwave ratios relevant to variations in the operating frequency bands ofthe antenna devices depending on the variations in the lengths of theslots, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show that the conductive members, which operate asantenna devices, exhibit similar gains, and the operating frequencybands thereof shift from a 1400 MHz band to a 1575 MHz band when thelengths of the slots decrease, for example, when the electrical lengthof the slot 630 of FIG. 6A is varied from L1 to L2 and when theelectrical length of the slot 640 of FIG. 6B is varied from L3 to L4 byturning on the switch device. Namely, the operating frequency bands ofthe conductive members, which are used as antenna radiators, shift froma low-frequency band to a relatively high frequency band as the lengthsof the slots decrease.

The FIGs. provided hereinafter show electronic devices, each of whichincludes a first body and a second body that is able to rotate relativeto the first body, and it will be obvious that when the first and secondbodies cover each other, the radiation efficiency of antenna devicesprovided in one of the first and second bodies is improved by slotsprovided in corresponding positions in the other body, as describedabove.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating a slide type electronic device800, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, the electronic device 800 includes a firstbody 810 and a second body 820 superposed on the first body 810. Thesecond body 820 may slide on (or relative to) the first body 810. Thesecond body 820 includes a first display 825 on the front surfacethereof. The first body 810 includes a second display 815, at least apart of which is exposed when the second body 820 slides relative to thefirst body 810.

The second body 820 may slide relative to the first body 810 in theX-axis direction, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, or the second body 820 mayslide relative to the first body 810 in the Y-axis direction, asillustrated in FIG. 8C. The first body 810 includes one or morenon-conductive members 811, 812, and 813 provided along the outerperiphery thereof. The second body 820 includes one or morenon-conductive members 821, 822, and 823 provided along the outerperiphery thereof. The non-conductive members 811, 812, and 813 of thefirst body 810 and the non-conductive members 821, 822, and 823 of thesecond body 820 may face each other when the second body 820 issuperposed on the first body 810. Antenna devices may be provided nearthe non-conductive members of one of the first and second bodies 810 and820, and slots may be provided near the non-conductive members of theother body to correspond to the antenna devices.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a foldable electronic device900 that includes a flexible display, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the electronic device 900 includes a firstbody 910 and a second body 920 disposed so as to be superposed on thefirst body 910. The second body 920 may be folded with respect to thefirst body 910. The first body 910 and the second body 920 may be foldedtoward each other such that the first and second bodies 910 and 920 faceeach other, and a flexible display 901 may be disposed on the surfacesof the first and second bodies 910 and 920 that face each other. Theflexible display 901 may cover both the first body 910 and the secondbody 920, without seams. The second body 920 may be superposed on thefirst body 910 by rotating about the rotational axis A2 of a connectingdevice 930.

The first body 910 includes one or more non-conductive members 911, 912,913, and 914 provided along the outer periphery thereof. The second body920 includes one or more non-conductive members 921, 922, 923, and 924provided along the outer periphery thereof. The non-conductive members911, 912, 913, and 914 of the first body 910 and the non-conductivemembers 921, 922, 923, and 924 of the second body 920 may face eachother when the second body 920 is superposed on the first body 910.Antenna devices may be provided near the non-conductive members of oneof the first and second bodies 910 and 920, respectively, and slots maybe provided near the non-conductive members of the other body tocorrespond to the antenna devices.

FIGS. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a bendable electronic devicethat includes a flexible display, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10C, the electronic device 1000 may beconstituted by a single body. The electronic device 1000 may be anelectronic device for communication that includes a speaker device 1002and a microphone device 1003. The electronic device 1000 may be bentwith respect to the lateral axis A3 thereof that serves as a rotationalaxis, in which case a first area 1010 and a second area 1020 may beseparated from each other with respect to the axis A3. The first area1010 and the second area 1020 may face each other by when the electronicdevice is in a bent configuration. The electronic device 1000 mayinclude one flexible display 1001 that covers both the first area 1010and the second area 1020. The second area 1020 may be superposed on thefirst area 1010 by rotating about the rotational axis A3, with noseparate connecting device.

The first area 1010 includes one or more non-conductive members 1011,1012, 1013, and 1014 provided along the outer periphery thereof. Thesecond area 1020 includes one or more non-conductive members 1021, 1022,1023, and 1024 provided along the outer periphery thereof. Thenon-conductive members 1011, 1012, 1013, and 1014 of the first area 1010and the non-conductive members 1021, 1022, 1023, and 1024 of the secondarea 1020 may face each other when the second area 1020 is superposed onthe first area 1010. Antenna devices may be provided near thenon-conductive members of one of the first and second areas 1010 and1020, and slots may be provided near the non-conductive members of theother area to correspond to the antenna devices.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a foldable electronic device1100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the electronic device 1100 includes afirst electronic device 1110 and a second electronic device 1120disposed so as to be superposed on the first electronic device 1110. Thefirst and second electronic devices 1110 and 1120 may be disposed on aconnecting member 1101 that is folded about the axis A4 thereof. Theelectronic device 1110 may be an electronic device for communicationthat includes a first display 1116, a speaker device 1117, and amicrophone device 1118. The second electronic device 1120 includes asecond display 1126 that assists with the first electronic device 1110.The first and second electronic devices 1110 and 1120 may befunctionally connected with each other through the connecting member1101. However, the first and second electronic devices 1110 and 1120 maybe functionally connected with each other through wireless communication(e.g., BT communication, etc.). The first electronic device 1110 may besuperposed on the second electronic device 1120 by rotating about therotational axis A4 of the connecting member 1101.

The first electronic device 1110 includes one or more non-conductivemembers 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, and 1115 provided along the outerperiphery thereof. The second electronic device 1120 includes one ormore non-conductive members 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, and 1125 providedalong the outer periphery thereof. The non-conductive members 1111,1112, 1113, 1114, and 1115 of the first electronic device 1110 and thenon-conductive members 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, and 1125 of the secondelectronic device 1120 may face each other when the second electronicdevice 1120 is superposed on the first electronic device 1110 by theconnecting member. Antenna devices may be provided near thenon-conductive members of one of the first and second electronic devices1110 and 1120, and slots may be provided near the non-conductive membersof the other electronic device to correspond to the antenna devices.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating a detachable electronicdevice 1200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the electronic device 1200 includes afirst electronic device 1210 and a second electronic device 1220disposed so as to be detached from the first electronic device 1210. Thefirst electronic device 1210 may be a keypad 1211 that includes aplurality of key buttons. The second electronic device 1220 includes adisplay 1221. The first and second electronic devices 1210 and 1220 maybe functionally connected with each other through wireless communication(e.g., BT communication, etc.). The electronic device 1200 may becarried while the second electronic device 1220 is superposed on thefirst electronic device 1210 and secured to the first electronic device1210 by a stopper 1240 provided on the first electronic device 1210 anda locking device 1230 opposite to the stopper 1240.

The first electronic device 1210 includes one or more non-conductivemembers 1212 and 1213 provided along the outer periphery thereof. Thesecond electronic device 1220 includes one or more non-conductivemembers 1222 and 1223 provided along the outer periphery thereof. Thenon-conductive members 1212 and 1213 of the first electronic device 1210and the non-conductive members 1222 and 1223 of the second electronicdevice 1220 may face each other when the second electronic device 1120is superposed on the first electronic device 1110. Antenna devices maybe provided near the non-conductive members of one of the first andsecond electronic devices 1210 and 1220, and slots may be provided nearthe non-conductive members of the other electronic device to correspondto the antenna devices.

In the various embodiments described above, more or fewer non-conductivemembers may be provided in each of the electronic devices, and may bedisposed in various positions in or along the electronic device.

An electronic device, may include: a first housing that includes a firstsurface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a firstside surface at least partially surrounding the space between the firstsurface and the second surface; a second housing that includes a firstsurface oriented to face the first surface of the first housing, asecond surface opposite to the first surface, and a second side surfaceat least partially surrounding the space between the first surface andthe second surface; a connecting part that connects the first housingand the second housing; a communication circuit within at least one ofthe first housing and the second housing; a first conductive member thatextends along at least a part of the first side surface and includes atleast one gap for electrically separating segments thereof; a firstnon-conductive member at least partially filling the at least one gap ofthe first conductive member; a second conductive member that extendsalong at least a part of the second side surface and includes at leastone gap for electrically separating segments thereof; and a secondnon-conductive member at least partially filling the at least one gap ofthe second conductive member. The first conductive member of the firsthousing and the communication circuit may be electrically connected witheach other to operate as an antenna, and a slot having a predeterminedlength may be provided in an area that is capable of being coupled withthe first conductive member of the second housing that overlaps theantenna while the first surface of the second housing faces the firstsurface of the first housing.

The first and second non-conductive members may be configured to besubstantially aligned with each other when viewed from a side of thefirst or second housing while the first surface of the second housingfaces the first surface of the first housing.

The communication circuit may be electrically connected with a firstpart of the first conductive member that is spaced apart from the firstnon-conductive member by a predetermined distance.

The electronic device may further include a ground member in at leastone of the first and second housings, and the ground member may beelectrically connected with a second part of the first conductive memberthat is spaced apart from the first part of the first conductive memberby a predetermined distance in the opposite direction of the firstnon-conductive member.

The slot may be formed to have a space directed toward the first partfrom the second non-conductive member.

An operating frequency band of the first conductive member used as anantenna may be regulated by adjusting at least one of the width andlength of the slot.

The electrical length of the slot may be adjusted by an electrical pathcrossing the slot.

A switch may be provided on the electrical path to vary the operatingfrequency band by means of a switching operation thereof.

The slot may be filled with the same material as that of the secondnon-conductive member.

The first and second housings may be connected with each other using afoldable type configuration, a slide type configuration, a bendable typeconfiguration, or a detachable type configuration.

An electronic device, according to various embodiment, may include: afirst housing having at least one antenna therein; a second housing, atleast a part of which is formed of a first conductive member; and aconnecting part that connects the first housing and the second housing,and a slot having a predetermined length may be provided in theconductive member area of the second housing that overlaps the antennaand is capable of being coupled with the antenna while the first housingand the second housing face each other.

The first housing may further include a PCB having a communicationcircuit therein, and the antenna may be formed to be a pattern on thePCB and may be electrically connected to the communication circuit.

The first housing may further include a PCB having a communicationcircuit therein, and the antenna may be mounted on an antenna carrierdisposed in the first housing and may be electrically connected to thecommunication circuit.

The first housing may further include a second conductive member in aposition corresponding to the first conductive member of the secondhousing, and the second conductive member may be electrically connectedto the communication circuit in a position corresponding to the slot.

The electronic device may further include a first non-conductive memberthat at least partially fills at least one gap formed in the firstconductive member and a second non-conductive member that at leastpartially fills at least one gap formed in the second conductive member,and the second conductive member of the first housing that iselectrically separated by the second non-conductive member may beelectrically connected with the communication circuit to operate as anantenna.

T first and second non-conductive members may be configured to besubstantially aligned with each other while the second housing faces thefirst housing.

The communication circuit may be electrically connected with a firstpart of the second conductive member that is spaced apart from thesecond non-conductive member by a predetermined distance.

The electronic device may further include a ground member in at leastone of the first and second housings, and the ground member may beelectrically connected with a second part of the second conductivemember that is spaced apart from the first part of the second conductivemember by a predetermined distance in the opposite direction of thesecond non-conductive member.

The slot may be formed to have a space directed toward the first partfrom the first non-conductive member.

The operating frequency band of the antenna may be regulated byadjusting the length of the slot.

An electronic device, according to various embodiments, may include: afirst housing that includes a first surface, a second surface oppositeto the first surface, and a first side surface at least partiallysurrounding the space between the first surface and the second surface;a second housing that includes a first surface oriented to face thefirst surface of the first housing, a second surface opposite to thefirst surface, and a second side surface at least partially surroundingthe space between the first surface and the second surface; a connectingpart that connects the first housing and the second housing; a firstconductive member that extends along at least a part of the first sidesurface and includes at least one gap for electrically separatingsegments thereof; a first non-conductive member at least partiallyfilling the at least one gap of the first conductive member; a secondconductive member that extends along at least a part of the second sidesurface and includes at least one gap for electrically separatingsegments thereof; a second non-conductive member at least partiallyfilling the at least one gap of the second conductive member andsubstantially aligned with the first non-conductive member when viewedfrom a side of the first or second housing while the first surface ofthe second housing faces the first surface of the first housing; acommunication circuit disposed within at least one of the first andsecond housings and electrically connected with a first point of thefirst conductive member of the first housing; a non-conductive regionthat has a second length substantially corresponding to a first lengthfrom the first point of the first conductive member to the firstnon-conductive member and extends along the second conductive member inthe second housing in the longitudinal direction, and is adjacent to thesecond non-conductive member; and a conductive region that surrounds thenon-conductive region.

The area from the first point of the first conductive member to thefirst non-conductive member may at least partially face thenon-conductive area when the first surface of the second housing facesthe first surface of the first housing.

At least some of the non-conductive region, the conductive region, andthe second conductive member may form an antenna member for thecommunication circuit.

The electronic device may further include a ground member in at leastone of the first and second housings, and the ground member may beelectrically connected with a second part of the first conductive memberthat is spaced apart from the first part of the first conductive memberby a predetermined distance in the opposite direction of the firstnon-conductive member.

The non-conductive region may be formed to have a space directed towardthe first part from the second non-conductive member.

The operating frequency band of the first conductive member used as anantenna may be regulated by adjusting at least one of the width andlength of the non-conductive region.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an electronic device 1300, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 13B to 13D arediagrams illustrating various operating states of the electronic device1300, according to the an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13A, the electronic device 1300 includes a first body1310 and a second body 1320 that may be folded with respect to the firstbody 1310 by rotating about a connecting member 1330, in which case thesecond body 1320 may be superposed on the first body 1310.

The first body 1310 includes a first display 1311. A speaker device 1312may be disposed on the upper side of the first display 1311, and amicrophone device 1313 may be disposed on the lower side of the firstdisplay 1311. Components for performing various functions of theelectronic device 1300 may be arranged around the speaker device 1312.The components may include at least one sensor module 1314. The sensormodule 1314 may include, for example, at least one of an illuminancesensor (e.g., an optical sensor), a proximity sensor, an infraredsensor, and an ultrasonic sensor. The components may also include acamera device 1315, and an LED indicator 1316 for informing a user ofstatus information of the electronic device 1300.

The second body 1320 includes a second display 1321. The second display1321 may face the first display 1311 when the second body 1320 of theelectronic device 1300 is superposed on the first body 1310. The firstand second displays 1311 and 1321 may include touch screen devices thatinclude touch sensors.

FIG. 13B illustrates an open state in which the second body 1320 isunfolded away from the first body 1310, FIG. 13C illustrates a closedstate in which the second body 1320 is superposed on the first body1310, and FIG. 13D illustrates a back folding state in which rearsurfaces of the first and second bodies 1310 and 1320 make contact witheach other. An antenna radiator may be disposed, as a conductiveelement, in an area C1 of the first body 1310. The second body 1320 maybe formed of a conductive material, or may include a conductive element.An area. C2 of the second body 1320 superposed on the first body 1310may include an opening (e.g., reference numeral 1451 of FIG. 14) forpreventing a degradation in the radiation efficiency of the antennaradiator disposed in the area C1.

The opening may be provided in a position where the opening iselectrically coupled with coupleable to the antenna radiator when thesecond body 1320 is superposed on the first body 1310. The opening maybe formed to have an optimum electrical length along an outer peripherythereof to correspond to the operating frequency band of the antennaradiator. The opening may be formed to have an electrical length of λalong the outer periphery thereof in a case where the antenna radiatoroperates in a 2.4 GHz band. The opening may be provided such that theantenna radiator is included therein.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 1400,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The electronic device 1400 of FIG. 14 may be similar to the electronicdevice 1300 of FIG. 13A.

Referring to FIG. 14, the electronic device 1400 includes a first bodyB1 and a second body B2 that is able to rotate relative to the firstbody B1 by means of a connecting member (corresponding to the connectingmember 1330 of FIG. 13).

The first body B1 includes a first housing 1410, a first display 1430disposed on a first surface 1411 of the first housing 1410 in a firstdirection, and a first rear cover 1440 disposed on a second surface 1412of the first housing 1410 in a second direction opposite to the firstdirection. A first conductive element 1413 may be disposed on the secondsurface 1412 of the first housing 1410. The first conductive element1413 may be electrically connected with a wireless communication circuitof the electronic device 1400 and may be used as an antenna radiator. Atleast a part of the first housing 1410 may include a metal member and aninjection-molded member. The metal member and the injection-moldedmember of the first housing 1410 may be integrally formed with eachother by double injection molding or insert molding. The firstconductive element 1413 may be disposed on the injection-molded member.However, the first conductive element 1413 may include at least a partof the metal member that is used as an antenna radiator.

The second body B2 includes a second housing 1450, a second display 1460disposed on a third surface of the second housing 1450 that is directedin a third direction, and a second rear cover 1470 disposed on a fourthsurface of the second housing 1450 that is directed in a fourthdirection opposite to the third direction. The second housing 1450 maybe used as an intermediate plate made of a metal material. The secondhousing 1450 may also be formed only by a metal member, or may be formedby a metal member and an injection-molded member that are formed throughdouble injection molding. An opening 1451 may be formed in the secondhousing 1450 to overlap the first conductive element 1413 disposed onthe first housing 1410 when the second body B2 is superposed on thefirst body B1. The opening 1451 may be located in a position where theopening 1451 is capable of being electrically coupled with the firstconductive element 1413. The opening 1451 may be provided in thecorresponding position to surround the first conductive element 1413.The opening 1451, when formed in the second housing 1450 and made of ametal material, may be used as a parasitic antenna member with the outerperiphery thereof as an electrical length. The opening 1451 with theouter periphery thereof as an electrical length may have various sizesand shapes according to applied operating frequency bands of the firstconductive element 1413.

A second conductive element 1441 may be provided on the first rear cover1440, which is disposed on the first housing 1410, to overlap the firstconductive element 1413. The second conductive element 1441 may bedisposed so as to be electrically coupled with the first conductiveelement 1413 and may be used as a parasitic antenna device to help toimprove the radiation efficiency of the first conductive element 1413when the second body B2 is not superposed on the first body B1 (when thesecond body and the first body are in an unfolded configuration).

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating an arrangement relationbetween a first conductive element 1513 and an opening 1541 according toan operation of opening/closing an electronic device 1500, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

The electronic device 1500 of FIGS. 15A and 15B may be similar to theelectronic device 1300 of FIGS. 13A to 13D or the electronic device 1400of FIG. 14.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the electronic device 1500 includes afirst body 1510 and a second body 1530 that performs opening/closingoperations in such a manner that the second body 1530 is folded toward,and unfolded away from, the first body 1510 by a connecting member 1560.The first body 1510 includes a first housing 1520, and the second body1530 includes a second housing 1540. The first housing 1520 includes ametal member 1521 and an injection-molded member 1522 that areintegrally formed with each other by double injection molding. The metalmember 1521 may be applied to at least a part of the outer periphery ofthe first body 1510. The first conductive element 1513 may be disposedin the area of the injection-molded member of the first housing 1520.The first conductive element 1513 may be electrically connected with awireless communication circuit included in the first body 1510. Thefirst conductive element 1513 may be formed in a predetermined pattern,and may or may not be exposed through the injection-molded member of thefirst housing 1520. However, the first conductive element 1513 may beformed in a pattern type on a PCB disposed inside the first housing1520, or may be disposed on an antenna carrier that has a height and isdisposed inside the first housing 1520.

The second body 1530 includes the second housing 1540 that is formed ofa metal member or has a metal member applied to at least a part thereof.In a case where the second housing 1540 is formed of a metal member, thesecond housing 1540 may be used as a metal reinforcing plate forprotecting a display module 1550. The second housing 1540 may also beused as an intermediate plate that constitutes the second body 1530.

The opening 1541 may be formed in the second housing 1540 to overlap thefirst conductive element 1513 formed on the first housing 1520, in acase where the first body 1510 and the second body 1530 are folded toeach other. The opening 1541 may be provided in a corresponding positionof the second housing 1540 that is capable of being electrically coupledwith the first conductive element 1513, in a case where the first body1510 and the second body 1530 are folded to each other. The opening 1541may surround the first conductive element 1513 when the first body 1510and the second body 1530 are folded to each other. The opening 1541 maybe formed to have an electrical length along the outer periphery thereofto correspond to the operating frequency band of the first conductiveelement 1513. The opening 1541 may be formed to have an electricallength of λ along the outer periphery thereof in a case where the firstconductive element 1513 operates in a 2.4 GHz band. The opening 1541 maybe provided such that at least a part of the first conductive element1513 is included therein. The opening 1541 may be finished by aninjection-molded member.

FIGS. 16A to 16C are graphs depicting antenna radiation efficiency undervarious folding conditions of an electronic device, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16D is a graph depictingantenna radiation efficiency depending on the size of an opening,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The graphs will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B.

Referring to FIG. 16A, when the second body 1530 having the opening 1541has been folded to the first body 1510 (back folding), the firstconductive element 1513, which is disposed in the first body 1510 andoperates in a 2.4 GHz band, has radiation efficiency that is about 1 dBgreater than when the second body 1530 has been unfolded away from thefirst body 1510 (default open).

FIGS. 16B and 16C show standing wave ratios and efficiency in a state inwhich the second body 1530 has been unfolded away from the first body1510 (open mode), in a state in which the second body 1530 that does notinclude the opening 1541 has been folded to the first body 1510 (closemode), in a state in which the second body 1530 that includes theopening 1541 has been folded to the first body 1510 (close mode (slot)),and in a state in which the second body 1530 that includes the opening1541 and has the display 1550 mounted thereon has been folded to thefirst body 1510 (close mode (slot+sub LCD)).

Referring to FIG. 16B, the first conductive element 1513 operates in adesired operating frequency band (e.g., a 2.4 GHz band) in the state inwhich the second body 1530 has been unfolded away from the first body1510. A problem arises in which the operating frequency band of thefirst conductive element 1513 shifts to an unused frequency band (e.g.,a 2.2 GHz band) while the second body 1530 that does not include theopening 1541 has been folded to the first body 1510. In this case, thefirst conductive element 1513 may not operate in the WiFi band. Thefirst conductive element 1513 operates in a desired operating frequencyband while the second body 1530 that includes the opening 1541 has beenfolded to the first body 1510. In addition, the first conductive element1513 operates in its operating frequency band as a result of the opening1541 being formed in the second body 1530 even though the display module1550 (e.g., a sub-LCD) is installed.

Referring to FIG. 16C, the first conductive element effectively operatesin the corresponding frequency band (a 2.4 GHz band), as in FIG. 16B,while there is a slight difference in efficiency.

FIG. 16D is a graph depicting a variation in the efficiency of the firstconductive element 1513 according to the size of the opening 1541.Referring to FIG. 16D, the first conductive element 1513 exhibits thehighest efficiency when the first conductive element 1513 operates in a2.4 GHz band and the opening 1541 is 20 mm by 35 mm, and the radiationefficiency decreases with decreasing size of the opening 1541. Inaddition, the radiation efficiency can deteriorate and the operationfrequency band shifts when the opening 1541 has a size greater than areference size (e.g., when the opening is 65 mm by 78 mm in FIG. 16D).Accordingly, the opening 1541 may be sized such that the maximumradiation efficiency may be exhibited according to the operatingfrequency band of the first conductive element 1513.

The radiation efficiency of the first conductive element 1513 may bedetermined based on a size and/or shape of the opening 1541, thepermittivity of a dielectric material disposed between the firstconductive element 1513 and the opening 1541 when the second body 1530is folded to the first body 1510, the property of a dielectric materialthat fills the opening 1541, a nearby metal member, or the like.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement relation between afirst conductive element 1713 and a second conductive element 1731,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A first body 1710 of FIG. 17 may be similar to the first body 1310 ofFIG. 13, the first body B1 of FIG. 14, or the first body 1510 of FIG.15A.

Referring to FIG. 17, the first body 1710 may include a first housing1720, and the first housing 1720 may have a metal member 1721 and aninjection-molded member 1722 that are formed by double injectionmolding. The first conductive element 1713 may be disposed on the firsthousing 1720, and the first conductive element 1713 may be electricallyconnected to a wireless communication circuit included in the first body1710 to operate as an antenna radiator.

The second conductive element 1731 may be disposed on the first body1710 to overlap the first conductive element 1713, and the secondconductive element 1731 may be disposed on various members coupled withthe first body 1710. The members may include a rear cover or anintermediate bracket that is coupled with the first housing 1710. Whendisposed to overlap the first conductive element 1713, the secondconductive element 1731 may be disposed in a position where electricalcoupling is possible. The second conductive element 1731 may be disposedon the inner surface of the rear cover coupled with the first housing1720. The second conductive element 1731 may include a metal plate or aflexible printed circuit (FPC) having a pattern that is disposed on therear cover, or a conductive paint applied to the surface of the rearcover.

The second conductive element 1731 may be formed in a closed loop shapeand may be disposed such that at least a part of the first conductiveelement 1713 is included in the space of the closed loop. However, thesecond conductive element 1731 may also be disposed on the surface wherethe first conductive element 1713 is formed in order to surround thefirst conductive element.

FIGS. 18A to 18C are diagrams illustrating arrangement states of secondconductive elements, according to an of the present disclosure. FIGS.18A to 18C are also sectional views taken along line D-D′ of FIG. 17,where FIGS. 18A to 18C illustrate major components of the first body.

The second conductive elements 1831, 1841, and 1851 of FIGS. 18A to 18Cmay be similar to the second conductive element 1731 of FIG. 17.

Referring to FIG. 18A, a rear cover 1830 may be disposed on a firsthousing 1820, and the rear cover 1830 may be integrally formed with thefirst housing 1820, or may be detachably provided on the first housing1820. The second conductive element 1831 may be disposed on the innersurface of the rear cover 1830, and the second conductive element 1831may include a metal plate, a flexible printed circuit, or a conductivepaint that is attached to the inner surface of the rear cover 1830. Thesecond conductive element 1831 may be disposed in a position where thesecond conductive element 1831 is electrically coupled with the firstconductive element 1813 so that the second conductive element 1831 maybe used as a parasitic antenna element when the rear cover is mounted onthe first housing 1820.

Referring to FIG. 18B, a rear cover 1840 may be disposed on the firsthousing 1820, and the rear cover 1840 may be integrally formed with thefirst housing 1820, or may be detachably provided on the first housing1820. The second conductive element 1841 may be contained in the rearcover 1840, and the second conductive element 1841 may be inserted intothe rear cover by an insert molding process when the rear cover 1840that is an injection-molded member is formed. The second conductiveelement 1841 may include a metal plate. The second conductive element1841 may be disposed in a position where the second conductive element1841 is electrically coupled with the first conductive element 1813 sothat the second conductive element 1841 may be used as a parasiticantenna element when the rear cover 1840 is mounted on the first housing1820.

Referring to FIG. 18C, a rear cover 1850 may be disposed on the firsthousing 1820, and the rear cover 1850 may be integrally formed with thefirst housing 1820, or may be detachably provided on the first housing1820. The second conductive element 1851 may be disposed on the outersurface of the rear cover 1850, and the second conductive element 1851may also be used for a metal ornamental member that is attached to theexterior of the rear cover 1850. The second conductive element 1851 maybe disposed in a position where the second conductive element 1851 iselectrically coupled with the first conductive element 1813 so that thesecond conductive element 1851 may be used as a parasitic antennaelement when the rear cover 1850 is mounted on the first housing 1820.

FIG. 19 is a graph depicting antenna radiation efficiency by means of asecond conductive element when an electronic device is folded, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 19, when the second body is separated from thefirst body 1710 (default open), the first conductive element 1513, whichis disposed on the first body 1710 to which the rear cover having thesecond conductive element 1731 is applied, has radiation efficiency thatis about 1.5 dB greater than that when a rear cover having no secondconductive element is applied to the first body 1710.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement relation between afirst conductive element 2013, an opening 2041, and a second conductiveelement 2031 of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 20, the first conductive element 2013 may be disposedon a first housing 2020, a rear cover 2030 may be disposed on the firsthousing 2020, and the second conductive element 2031 may be disposed onthe rear cover 2030. The second conductive element 2031 may be providedso as to be aligned with the first conductive element 2013 when thefirst housing 2020 and the second housing 2040 overlap each other. Thesecond conductive element 2031 may have a closed loop shape, and atleast a part of the first conductive element 2013 may be included in aclosed loop area of the second conductive element 2031 when the firsthousing 2020 and the second housing 2040 overlap each other.

The second housing 2040 may be formed of a metal member, and the opening2041 may be formed in the area of the second housing 2040 thatcorresponds to the first conductive element 2013 when the first housing2020 and the second housing 2040 overlap each other. The opening 2041may have a size that is the same as, or different from, that of thesecond conductive element 2031 disposed on the rear cover 2030. The sizeof the opening 2041 may be determined based on the operating frequencyband of the first conductive element 2013 that is used as an antennaradiator. The second conductive element 2031 and the opening 2041 do notmake physical contact with the first conductive element 2013 for anapplication to a parasitic antenna device of the first conductiveelement 2013, but may be electrically coupled with the first conductiveelement 2013.

The second housing 2040 may include a metal bracket that overlaps thefirst housing 2020. In a case where the second housing 2040 is used as abracket, the second housing 2040 may be configured to be folded withrespect to the first housing 2020, or may be disposed, as a part of thefirst housing 2020, above the first housing 2020.

FIG. 21 is a graph depicting antenna radiation efficiency in the stateof FIG. 20, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, when the first housing 2020 and the secondhousing 2040 do no overlap each other and when the second conductiveelement 2031 is applied to the rear cover 2030, better radiationefficiency is exhibited at the same operating frequency band (e.g., a2.4 GHz band) than when the second conductive element 2031 is notapplied to the rear cover 2030. In addition, the radiation efficiencyrarely changes in a desired operating frequency band (e.g., a 2.4 GHzband) even though the first housing 2020 and the second housing 2040overlap each other after the second conductive element 2031 is appliedto the rear cover 2030.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an electronic device, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure, in which three bodies are foldedwith respect to each other. FIGS. 23A and 23B are diagrams illustratingan electronic device that includes a protective cover, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 24, 25A, and 25B arediagrams illustrating wearable electronic devices, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 22, the electronic device 2200 includes three foldablebodies 2210, 2220, and 2230. The electronic device 2200 includes thefirst body 2210, the second body 2220 that is able to rotate relative tothe first body 2210, and the third body 2230 that is able to rotaterelative to the second body 2220. The first to third bodies 2210, 2220,and 2230 may be connected with each other through a connecting member2240.

A conductive element and openings for preventing a degradation in theradiation efficiency of the conductive element may be provided incorresponding positions of the first to third bodies 2210, 2220, and2230 in a case where the first to third bodies 2210, 2220, and 2230 arefolded with respect to each other. In a case where a conductive elementoperating as an antenna radiator is provided in an area E1 of the firstbody 2210, and openings may be provided in corresponding areas E2 and E3of the second and third bodies 2220 and 2230. Accordingly, even throughthe second body 2220 and/or the third body 2230 is/are folded to thefirst body 2210, the openings may prevent a degradation in the radiationefficiency of the conductive element used as an antenna radiator.

Referring to FIGS. 23A and 23B, the electronic device 2300 includes amain body 2310 and a protective cover 2320 for selectively protectingthe main body 2310. A conductive element operating as an antennaradiator may be disposed in an area F1 on one side, or an opposite side,of the upper portion of the electronic device. In a case where theprotective cover 2320 is folded to the main body 2310 to protect themain body 2310, the protective cover 2320 may include an opening 2321 inan area F2 that corresponds to the conductive element. The opening 2321may be formed in the corresponding position of the protective cover 2320formed of a metal member. The opening 2321 may be filled with, or hiddenby, a non-metal material or the same material as the outer covermaterial of the protective cover 2320. Accordingly, even though the mainbody 2310 is hidden by the protective cover 2320, the opening providedin the area F2 may prevent a degradation in the radiation efficiency ofthe conductive element that is disposed in the area F1 and used as anantenna radiator.

Referring to FIG. 24, the electronic device 2400 includes a wearableelectronic device that includes a main body 2410 and a connecting member2420 connected with the main body 2410. The main body 2410 may include aconductive element operating as an antenna radiator, and the conductiveelement may be disposed in an area G1 of the main body 2410. In a casewhere the connecting member 2420 is fastened to the main body 2410, theconnecting member 2420 may include an opening in an area G2. Even thoughthe corresponding parts of the main body 2410 and the connecting member2420 overlap each other, the opening formed in the area G2 may prevent adegradation in the radiation efficiency of the conductive element thatis disposed in the area G1 and used as an antenna radiator.

Referring to FIGS. 25A and 25B, the electronic device 2500 includes awearable electronic device that can be worn on a human body. Theelectronic device 2500 may include a display. The electronic device 2500also includes a first end portion 2520 and a second end portion 2530opposite to the first end portion 2520, and when the electronic device2500 is worn on a human body (e.g., wrist), the first and second endportions 2520 and 2530 may overlap each other. A conductive element usedas an antenna radiator may be disposed in an area H1 of the first endportion 2520 that overlaps the second end portion 2530. An opening maybe formed in an area H2 of the second end portion 2530 that overlaps thefirst end portion 2520. Accordingly, even though the first and secondend portions 2520 and 2530 overlap each other, the opening formed in thearea H2 may prevent a degradation in the radiation efficiency of theconductive element that is disposed in the area H1 and used as anantenna radiator.

When a conductive element is provided in a second housing to correspondto an antenna device provided in a first housing, a slot may be formedin an area corresponding to the antenna device in order to prevent adegradation in antenna radiation efficiency and to exhibit an excellentradiation characteristic.

An electronic device may include: a first housing having a first surfacedirected in a first direction and a second surface directed in a seconddirection opposite to the first direction; a second housing having athird surface directed in a third direction and a fourth surfacedirected in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction; a firstdisplay disposed on the first housing and exposed through the firstsurface; a second display disposed on the second housing and exposedthrough the third surface; a connecting member configured to couple thefirst housing to the second housing, wherein the first housing and thesecond housing are foldable to each other, and the second surface andthe fourth surface face each other when the first housing and the secondhousing are folded to each other; a first conductive element disposedinside the first housing so as to be located between the second surfaceand the first display; a wireless communication circuit electricallyconnected to the first conductive element; and an intermediateconductive plate disposed inside the second housing so as to be locatedbetween the fourth surface and the second display, wherein theintermediate conductive plate may have an opening configured to face thefirst conductive element when the first housing and the second housingare folded to each other.

The electronic device may further include a second conductive elementformed in an annular shape on the first housing or the second housing,and the second conductive element may be disposed to surround the firstconductive element when viewed from above the second or fourth surfacein a case where the first housing and the second housing are folded toeach other.

The electronic device may further include a third conductive elementformed in an annular shape on the first housing or the second housing,and the third conductive element may be disposed to surround the firstconductive element when viewed from above the second or fourth surfacein a case where the first housing and the second housing are folded toeach other.

The opening may be disposed in a position where the opening is coupledwith the first conductive element without making contact with the firstconductive element when the first housing and the second housing arefolded to each other.

The opening may be disposed such that at least a part of the firstconductive element overlaps the interior of the first conductive elementhaving an annular shape when viewed from above the second or fourthsurface in a case where the first housing and the second housing arefolded to each other.

The radiation efficiency of the first conductive element may bedetermined based on the size or shape of the opening or the permittivityof a dielectric material interposed between the first housing and thesecond housing when the first housing and the second housing are foldedto each other.

A rear cover may be disposed on the second surface of the first housing,and a second conductive element may be disposed in a position in therear cover to correspond to the first conductive element when viewedfrom above the second surface.

The second conductive element may be disposed in a position where thesecond conductive element is electrically coupled with the firstconductive element without making contact with the first conductiveelement.

The second conductive element may be disposed on the inner or outersurface of the rear cover or inside the rear cover.

The second conductive element disposed on the inner or outer surface ofthe rear cover may include a metal plate, a flexible printed circuit, ora conductive paint.

The second conductive element disposed inside the rear cover may includea metal plate that is insert-molded into the rear cover made of asynthetic resin.

An electronic device may include: a first body that includes a firsthousing; a second body that is configured to rotate relative to thefirst body and includes a second housing made of metal; a first antennaradiator disposed in at least one area of the first housing; and anopening provided in a corresponding position of the second housing thatoverlaps the first antenna radiator when the first body and the secondbody are folded to each other such that the first body is superposed onthe second body.

The opening may be disposed in a position where the opening is coupledwith the first antenna radiator without making contact with the firstantenna radiator when the first body and the second body are folded toeach other.

At least a part of the first antenna radiator may be included in theopening when the first body and the second body are folded to eachother.

The radiation efficiency of the first antenna radiator may be determinedbased on the size or shape of the opening or the permittivity of adielectric material interposed between the first body and the secondbody when the first body and the second body are folded to each other.

A second antenna radiator may be disposed to overlap at least a part ofthe first antenna radiator in the first body.

The second antenna radiator may be electrically coupled with the firstantenna radiator without making contact with the first antenna radiator.

An electronic device may include: a first body that includes a firsthousing; a second body that is configured to rotate relative to thefirst body and includes a second housing made of metal; a first antennaradiator disposed in at least one area of the first housing; a secondantenna radiator disposed to overlap at least a part of the firstantenna radiator in the first body; and an opening provided in acorresponding position of the second housing that overlaps the firstantenna radiator when the first body and the second body are folded toeach other such that the first body is superposed on the second body.

The second antenna radiator may be disposed on the inner or outersurface of a rear cover coupled to the first housing, or is disposedinside the rear cover.

The second antenna radiator may be disposed so as to be electricallycoupled with the first antenna radiator without making contact with thefirst antenna radiator, and the opening may be provided so as to beelectrically coupled with the first antenna radiator without makingcontact with the first antenna radiator when the first body and thesecond body are folded to each other.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described with referenceto certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilledin the art that various changes in form and details may be made thereinwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore,the scope of the present disclosure should not be defined as beinglimited to the embodiments, but should be defined by the appended claimsand equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a first housinghaving a first surface and a second surface opposite to the firstsurface; a second housing having a third surface and a fourth surfaceopposite to the third surface; a display disposed on the first housing;a connecting member configured to couple the first housing to the secondhousing such that the first housing and the second housing are foldablerelative to each other, and the second surface and the fourth surfaceface each other when the first housing and the second housing are foldedtoward each other; a first conductive element disposed within the firsthousing and between the second surface and the display; a wirelesscommunication circuit electrically connected to the first conductiveelement; and an intermediate conductive plate disposed within the secondhousing, wherein the intermediate conductive plate includes an openingthat faces the first conductive element when the first housing and thesecond housing are in a folded configuration, and the opening of theintermediate conductive plate is electrically coupleable to the firstconductive element when the first housing and the second housing are inthe folded configuration.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a second conductive element formed on one of the firsthousing and the second housing, wherein the second conductive elementsurrounds the first conductive element when the first housing and thesecond housing are in the folded configuration.
 3. The electronic deviceof claim 2, further comprising: a third conductive element formed on oneof the first housing and the second housing, wherein the thirdconductive element surrounds the first conductive element when the firsthousing and the second housing are in the folded configuration.
 4. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the opening is disposed such thatat least a part of the first conductive element overlaps an interior ofthe first conductive element when the first housing and the secondhousing are in the folded configuration.
 5. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein a radiation efficiency of the first conductive elementis determined based on one of a size or shape of the opening of theintermediate conductive plate and a permittivity of a dielectricmaterial interposed between the first housing and the second housingwhen the first housing and the second housing are in the foldedconfiguration.
 6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein a rear coverof the electronic device is disposed on the second surface of the firsthousing, and a second conductive element is disposed on the rear covercorresponding to a position of the first conductive element.
 7. Theelectronic device of claim 6, wherein the second conductive element iselectrically coupled to the first conductive element without makingcontact with the first conductive element.
 8. The electronic device ofclaim 6, wherein the second conductive element is disposed on one of aninner or outer surface of the rear cover and inside the rear cover. 9.The electronic device of claim 8, wherein when the second conductiveelement is disposed on the inner or outer surface of the rear cover, thesecond conductive element comprises one of a metal plate, a flexibleprinted circuit, and a conductive paint.
 10. The electronic device ofclaim 7, wherein when the second conductive element is disposed insidethe rear cover, the second conductive element comprises a metal platethat is insert-molded into the rear cover, which is made of a syntheticresin.
 11. An electronic device comprising: a first body comprising afirst housing; a second body rotatable relative to the first body andcomprising a second housing made of metal; a first antenna radiatordisposed on the first housing; and an opening provided on the secondhousing, wherein the opening overlaps at least a part of the firstantenna radiator when the first body and the second body are in a foldedconfiguration, and wherein the opening provided on the second housing iselectrically coupleable to the first antenna radiator when the firstbody and the second body are in the folded configuration.
 12. Theelectronic device of claim 11, wherein the opening provided on thesecond housing is electrically coupleable to the first antenna radiatorwhen the first body and the second body are in the folded configuration.13. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein at least a part of thefirst antenna radiator is disposed within the opening when the firstbody and the second body are in the folded configuration.
 14. Theelectronic device of claim 11, wherein a radiation efficiency of thefirst antenna radiator is determined based on one of a size or shape ofthe opening and a permittivity of a dielectric material interposedbetween the first body and the second body when the first body and thesecond body are in the folded configuration.
 15. The electronic deviceof claim 11, wherein a second antenna radiator is disposed to overlap atleast a part of the first antenna radiator in the first body.
 16. Theelectronic device of claim 15, wherein the second antenna radiator iselectrically coupled to the first antenna radiator without makingcontact with the first antenna radiator.
 17. An electronic devicecomprising: a first body comprising a first housing; a second bodyrotatable relative to the first body and comprising a second housing; afirst antenna radiator disposed on the first housing; a second antennaradiator overlapping at least a part of the first antenna radiator inthe first body; and an opening provided on the second housing, whereinthe opening overlaps at least a part of the first antenna radiator whenthe first body and the second body are in a folded configuration, andwherein the opening is configured to electrically couple to the firstantenna radiator when the first body and the second body are in thefolded configuration.
 18. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein thesecond antenna radiator is disposed on one of an inner or outer surfaceof a rear cover coupled to the first housing and on an inside of therear cover.
 19. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the secondantenna radiator is electrically coupled to the first antenna radiator.20. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the opening overlaps thefirst antenna radiator when the first body and the second body are inthe folded configuration.
 21. The electronic device of claim 17, whereinthe opening overlaps the first antenna radiator when the first body andthe second body are in the folded configuration.